Peanut butter can be used as a reward in training, as a treat, or to add healthy fats and protein to your dog’s diet. There are many ways you can deliver it: stuffed in a dog toy, baked in a treat, frozen, smeared on a lick-mat, or placed in a dish.
Just be sure not to overfeed your dog, as peanut butter is high in calories. In this review of the best and healthiest peanut butter for dogs in, we’ll look at eight different brands that are considered the best and healthiest options currently available. Finally, we’ll be exploring the pros and cons of each and what ingredients and nutritional value they offer.
Peanut butter can be an excellent source of protein and healthy fats, vitamins B and E, and niacin. Most peanut butter is safe for dogs to eat, with the most beneficial options being salt-free. High sodium levels can be dangerous for dogs. Peanut butter for dogs should also not contain added sugars or dangerous ingredients like xylitol.
The American Kennel Club (AKC) explains that although peanut butter is rich in natural fats and protein, too much of a good thing can result in obesity or pancreatitis. They add that “There are two things you can do to figure out how much peanut butter to feed your dog on a regular basis. The first and most reliable option is to call your veterinarian and ask his or her advice. This is especially important for owners of dogs with conditions such as diabetes or with food sensitivity issues.”
What to look for in peanut butter for dogs?
As any pet owner knows, dogs love peanut butter. It’s a great way to give them a treat, and it’s also a good source of protein. However, not all peanut butters are created equal.
Some peanut butter contains xylitol ingredients that are harmful to dogs, so it’s essential to choose a peanut butter designed explicitly. So here’s what to look for:
- Natural peanut butter – This peanut butter is made with just peanuts and nothing else. It doesn’t contain any sugar or salt, making it a healthier option for dogs.
- Peanut butter with added omega-3 – This peanut butter is enriched with omega-3 fatty acids. Some peanut butter is high in unhealthy fats and sugars, while others don’t contain enough protein.
- Added Glucosamine HCL, Chondroitin, & MSM to combat mobility issues.
Glucosamine HCL, Chondroitin, & MSM to combat mobility issues. These are all great ingredients for combating inflammation, joint issues, and mobility problems in your dog.
If your dog is starting to show signs of aging, such as slowed movement or difficulty getting up, adding one of these three ingredients to their diet can help improve their quality of life.
- Pros
- Gluten-free
- Crunchy recipe that dogs enjoy
- USDA Organic, gluten-free certified, Grade A, & Kosher
- No added sugar or salt
- 3-month shelf life once opened
- Squeeze pack options for pet vacays or training
- Suitable for lick mats or Kong toys/toys or pill pocket
- Cons
- May be pricier than other brands
Once Again, organic peanut butter features organic roasted peanuts and no salt. It’s made by roasting and grinding blanched dry roasted peanuts. It’s also gluten-free certified, vegan, kosher, and USDA organic, non-GMO. This is a creamy recipe that you may have to stir. You can also find these in squeeze packs perfect for dogs and various flavors.
Features
- Organic peanuts
- Total fat 14g
- 0% cholesterol, 0 % sodium, dietary fiber 2g, Protein 8 g
- Creamy
- Simple recipe
- Suitable for dogs
- Made in the US
- Pros
- Certified organic, certified GMO-free, certified Kosher, certified vegan.
- Total carb 7g, dietary fiber 3g, Protein 8 g, total fat 16g
- Climate Pledge Friendly product
- Natural peanut butter
- No additives
- Suitable for dogs
- Suitable for lick mats or Kong toys/toys or pill pocket
- Cons
- Always out of stock
Another excellent option for organic, unsalted peanut butter is this one from 365 by Whole Foods Market. It’s made with just peanuts, and it’s GMO-free and gluten-free. It doesn’t come in a crunchy version, but it does have a creamy texture that most dogs will love.
If you’re looking for peanut butter that contains no salt or sugar, three great options are. All of them are organic, gluten-free, and GMO-free. They also come in a creamy texture that most dogs will love. Just be sure to stir the peanut butter well before serving it to your pup. This product has over 4,300 positive reviews. This product may separate a bit, so you need to stir it before using it.
Features
- Affordable
- 0% Cholesterol & 0% sodium
- Organic, gluten-free, GMO-free
- US peanuts
- Oils separate naturally
- Over 4,300 positive reviews
- A Whole Foods product
- Pros
- Crude protein at 25%, crude fat at 49.5%, crude fiber at 10%
- No artificial flavors, preservatives, or stabilizers
- Natural peanut butter
- Suitable for lick mats or Kong toys/toys or pill pocket
- Good baking videos for peanut butter pup treats
- Suitable as a topper on fruit or veggies
- Cons
- It may be pricier than other brands.
Looking for a healthy, all-natural peanut butter dog treat? Look no further than Bark Bistro Company’s Ruff Raw Buddy Budder. This stuff is made with only the finest ingredients, and it’s perfect for stuffing into your pup’s favorite toy or giving them as a delicious snack.
What’s more, each jar of Buddy Budder is made right here in the USA. So go ahead and stock up – your furry friend will love you for it! This product has over 2,200 positive reviews. This product may be higher in fat content, but it features omega-3 fatty acids at 0.81%. So there’s natural oil separation, so you’ll need to stir when using.
Features
- Natural peanut butter for dogs
- Numerous flavors like pumpkin, apple, super berry snoot & banana, pumpkin
- Only two ingredients: peanuts & honey
- Suitable for all dog breeds & life stages
- Over 2,200 positive reviews
- No hydrogenated oil, palm oil, or high fructose corn syrup
- No stabilizers, xylitol, added sugar, or salt.
- Pros
- Easy to hide your dog's most minor favorite vitamins
- Rich, nutty flavor that dogs love
- 100% natural peanut butter
- No hydrogenated oil, palm oil, high fructose corn syrup, stabilizers, xylitol, added sugar, or salt.
- Cons
- It may be pricier than other brands, but it includes Glucosamine HCL, Chondroitin, & MSM to combat mobility issues.
Dawg Peanut Butter features all the goodness your pup deserves, including glucosamine and chondroitin. So this is perfect for senior dogs with mobility issues. This also only features two ingredients: peanut butter and honey. So it is ideal for dogs with allergies or food sensitivities.
There are so many reasons to love Paw Power, Dawg Butter.
The glucosamine, HSM, and chondroitin help to keep their joints healthy and strong. And the all-natural ingredients are perfect for dogs with food allergies or sensitivities. Plus, it comes in a handy, easy-to-use jar.
This is a definite must-have for senior dogs!
Features
- Free from xylitol, salt, sugar, & palm oil.
- Crafted with Glucosamine HCL, Chondroitin, MSM, & turmeric
- Loaded with natural fats
- Includes protein, fiber, & Omega 3 fatty acids.
- Made in the US
- Pros
- Use Pawnut butter to hide pet meds, supplements or to bake dog treats
- Loaded with omega-3s(Source of ALA omega-three fatty acids)
- Only two ingredients: US peanuts & flaxseed
- Suitable for all dog breeds & life stages
- Good for dog toys & lick mats
- Natural peanut butter
- Cons
- It may be pricier than other brands.
Green Coast Pet Pawnut Butter features peanuts and flaxseed and is Xylitol-free. It also includes Omega-3 fatty acids to help promote healthy skin and coat. It works well for filling toys, bones, or dental treats. It’s crafted in an SQF (Safe Quality Food) Level III facility right here in the United States.
Each batch is tested for an entire week before we make it available to your dog! Green Coast only uses USA, non-GMO peanuts too! This peanut butter has added flaxseed to make it easier on your dog’s stomach and give your pup a healthy dose of Omega 3’s with each serving.
Features
- Added flaxseed
- Free of sugar, salt & xylitol
- No preservatives or hydrogenated oils
- Made in the US
- Non-GMO peanuts
- Pros
- Suitable for all dog breeds & life stages
- Good for baking treats or freezing with silicone mold
- All-natural and free of additives
- No hydrogenated oil, palm oil, high fructose corn syrup, stabilizers, xylitol, added sugar, or salt.
- Suitable for stuffing Kong toys or lick mats
- Cons
- It may not be as thick in consistency as other brands.
Shorty’s P’Nut Butter is an excellent source of protein, vitamins, and minerals for your dog. It is also a great energy source for your pup and helps promote healthy skin and coat. Raw flavor peanut butter is also xylitol free and made in the USA.
This 17 oz. jar makes an excellent stuff-in-toy for your pup. This product features fresh, unsalted peanuts and honey and has no hydrogenated oil, palm oil, high fructose corn syrup, stabilizers, xylitol, added sugar, or salt.
Features
- Loaded with natural fats, your dog will benefit from
- All natural peanut butter for dogs
- Crafted with protein, fiber, & omega-three fatty acids. (0. 81%)
- Made in the US
- Specifically made for dogs.
- Pros
- All-natural peanut butter
- Total fat 15g, sodium 0mg & dietary fiber at 2g.
- Suitable for lick mats and baking dog treats
- Excellent source of protein & fiber
- Protein at 7g
- Cons
- It may have a thinner consistency when compared to other brands.
NAKED CRUNCH is delicious, all-natural peanut butter perfect for dogs and people. They use only the highest quality ingredients, and there’s never any added salt or sugar. NAKED CRUNCH is vegan, gluten-free, and made without palm oil.
This is an excellent source of protein and fiber that is also vegan and gluten-free. Spread The Love is another gluten-free and vegan product that is Climate Pledge Friendly and uses only certified organic products.
Features
- Non-GMO, no palm fruit oil, and no salt
- Four size options
- Vegan, kosher & gluten-free
- Suitable for dogs
- A family-owned, all-natural foods brand
- Made in the US
Benefits of peanut butter for dogs
Peanut butter is an excellent source of protein and healthy fats for dogs. It can help keep them energized and healthy, and it’s a tasty snack that they’re sure to love. Plus, it’s a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin E, magnesium, potassium, and zinc. Peanut butter can help keep your dog’s coat shiny and healthy, and it may help improve their digestion.
Many people believe that peanut butter is beneficial for dogs because it is a high-quality protein source. Peanut butter contains healthy monounsaturated fats, vitamin E, niacin, and folate. These nutrients can support your dog’s overall health and well-being.
In addition to being a nutritious snack, peanut butter can also be used as a training tool. It’s a great way to reward your dog for good behavior and can help reinforce positive behaviors.
What To Look Out For in Peanut Butter For Dogs
Xylitol
It’s important to be aware of the dangers of xylitol to pets. Xylitol is a sugar substitute that can be toxic to dogs. If your dog consumes xylitol, it can cause liver damage, seizures, and even death. So, it’s important to keep xylitol-containing products away from your pet and contact your veterinarian immediately if you suspect your dog has been poisoned.
Several products contain xylitol, including gum, candy, and even some peanut butter. So, it’s essential to be aware of the ingredients in any product you give to your pet. Contact the manufacturer if you’re not sure whether a product contains xylitol.
Preventive Vet adds that “In fact, the toxic dose of xylitol in dogs is even less than chocolate! For example, as little as 1.37 grams of xylitol can cause a rapid drop in a dog’s blood sugar (“hypoglycemia”) and result in staggering, disorientation, collapse, and seizures in a 30-pound dog.”
They add that “Peanut butter is great as an occasional “high value” treat, it’s useful for hiding pills, and it can even be used to distract your dog while giving them a bath or trimming their nails.”
Preventive Vet mentions four UK brands and add that many more may contain xylitol that you should stay away from when feeding dogs. These brands include the following:
- Go Nuts, Co.
- Krush Nutrition (appears to no longer be in production)
- Nuts’ N More
- P28
Pancreatitis
Preventive Vet also adds that for dogs with chronic pancreatitis, or those with an increased risk of developing chronic pancreatitis, like Miniature Schnauzers and Yorkshire Terriers, even a tiny amount can trigger or worsen their pancreatitis, and peanut butter should be avoided altogether.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is peanut butter safe for dogs?
Yes, as long as you choose a peanut butter that doesn’t contain xylitol. Xylitol is a sugar substitute that can be toxic to dogs.
What are the benefits of giving my dog peanut butter?
Peanut butter is a good source of protein, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals. It can also help improve your dog’s cognitive function, skin health, joint health, and inflammation levels.
What are the dangers of giving my dog peanut butter?
If you choose a peanut butter that contains xylitol, it can be toxic to dogs. Xylitol is a sugar substitute that can cause seizures, liver damage, and even death in dogs. If your dog has pancreatitis or is a breed prone to pancreatitis, you should refrain from feeding him peanut butter.
Can I give my dog peanut butter every day?
No, you should not give your dog peanut butter every day. Peanut butter is a healthy snack, but it should only be given in moderation. Unfortunately, too much peanut butter can lead to weight gain and other health problems.
Final thoughts
Peanut butter is an excellent snack for dogs, and it provides several benefits. It’s a good source of protein, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals. It can also help improve your dog’s cognitive function, skin health, joint health, and inflammation levels.
So, if you’re looking for a healthy and nutritious snack for your dog, consider giving them some peanut butter. Just be sure to choose a peanut butter that doesn’t contain xylitol, and keep an eye on your dog around any food that’s not specifically meant for them. As usual, if you have any concerns, contact your veterinarian.
Claudia Bensimoun is a writer who specializes in dog content and veterinary topics! Aside from writing for We Love Doodles, Claudia also writes for other major dog blogs like Fido Friendly, Animal Wellness Magazine, and the United States Dog Agility Association (USDAA). She has a ghostwritten over 50 different dog e-books. Her passions include animal welfare, veterinary research, and wildlife conservation.
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